confused about how Google ranks local results...

Let's say you want to rank for just the keyword "chinese food" for people searching in Los Angeles. How does Google determine which websites to rank? is it based on whether or not you have Los angeles listed in your on-page and off-page?

I mean when people search for a money keyword without the city at the end - "chinese food" - NOT "chinese food los angeles"

For something like restaurants, Google Business listings (and other official address information) have a large influence.

Their algorithm is probably something like:

1. Get user's rough location estimate from IP address and other geotargeting information
2. Find businesses that fit the description with physical addresses close to the user's location. Much of which is pulled from Google Business listings.

Local SEO has an additional set of factors, such as citations, that apply only to sites they deem as local businesses.

gentzalli said:

I mean when people search for a money keyword without the city at the end - "chinese food" - NOT "chinese food los angeles"

Click to expand...

If someone is searching for Chinese food, chances are they're searching for food near them and not the history of Chinese food. When it comes to terms that are open to interpretations, it displays results based on what people are most likely searching for. There was a term for this, but I can't recall what it was.

What has definitely big influence:
- Proper Google Business listing.
- On-page content including particular location.
- Google Maps on the contact page.
- Local reviews.
- Local directories and classifieds.